Apparatus for Bone Restoration of the Spine and Methods of Use

Abstract

The subject disclosure is directed to systems, apparatuses, devices and methods for vertebral and spinal correction. In some embodiments, an expandable implant is provided which may be inserted inside the vertebral body and / or between two vertebrae, for instance, for maintenance and / or restoration of a space therein or there between. In certain embodiments, the implant includes a mechanical resistance that prevents the expandable implant from contracting once it has been expanded. Methods of treatment and methods of use of such implants for the alleviation of back pain (for example) are also provided herein.

Description

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE[0001]Embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to spinal implants, and more particularly, to intervertebral and intravertebral implants.BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE[0002]The spinal column is made up of four main components: the spinal chord, the vertebra, the ligaments, and the intervertebral disc, and each may play a role in back pain. Generally, back pain may be caused by spinal instability, disc or ligament degeneration, bone joint dislocation, spinal root or articulation compression, and the like. For instance, deterioration of the intervertebral disc, such as a result of spinal stenosis, can lead to extreme discomfort and pain.[0003]Accordingly, a common source of back pain is the result of the degeneration or herniation of the intervertebral disc, causing compression of the spinal column, which in turn can lead to the pinching of the spinal nerves and the release of inflammatory chemical mediators that promote swelling and inflammation thereby ...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The patent describes an expandable implant that can be used to restore spine space between two vertebral bodies or within a vertebral body. The implant has first and second bearing surfaces that move away from each other during expansion. It also includes a retaining element that keeps the implant in its expanded configuration. The implant can be used to treat compression fractures of the spine. The technical effect of the invention is to provide a reliable and effective tool for restoring spine space and treating compression fractures.

Problems solved by technology

For instance, deterioration of the intervertebral disc, such as a result of spinal stenosis, can lead to extreme discomfort and pain.

Accordingly, a common source of back pain is the result of the degeneration or herniation of the intervertebral disc, causing compression of the spinal column, which in turn can lead to the pinching of the spinal nerves and the release of inflammatory chemical mediators that promote swelling and inflammation thereby further irritating spinal nerves.

Such intervertebral implants, however, limit the extent to which vertebrae can move towards each other since, when the spine is extended, spinous processes tend to come into abutment against the surfaces of the implants.

Furthermore, since implants do not have the same mechanical properties as that of an intervertebral disc, the overall mechanical properties of the spine present significant discontinuities compared with an intact spine, thereby increasing deterioration of the intervertebral disc.

Images